The Guarantee of Creative Success

[@ARM317]

Random thought after this vad, I think you should write a children's book about Cooper's life in Paris.

[@JaySwanson]

Can it be a children's book for adults?

[@ARM317]

@@JaySwanson sure, this has lots of possibilities. Seeing Cooper experience Paris on the daily, I'm sure he's the envy for a lot of adults and would have a lot of fun experiences from his perspective. What I wouldn't give to hang out in a French Cafe and see all these sites on the daily lol. He could be a 'Boston' visitor, experiencing life as an expat animal. Many ways to build the story

[@feddizon2789]

Hey Jay, this doesn't seemed to be a bad idea as you probably know Cooper has big pull on a lot of you're viewers here. I can already tell that'll be best selling book in the making. 👍

[@karentozer1871]

How cute that Cooper sat there in the bar on the chair listening to everything you were saying to the camera xx

[@JaySwanson]

He's enraptured 😆

[@erikat5678]

As you speak your profound truth into the camera, I cannot help but notice how Cooper is listening to you in earnest like an old soul of a friend. Again, I needed to hear this as we all find ourselves feeling that our lives somehow should have had a greater trajectory rather than we are where we are meant to be at this time. Thanks Jay!

[@JaySwanson]

We'll never get to see how far we go if we keep throttling back and changing planes mid-journey 🥂

[@seabrookel5037]

As a fellow 10-failed-novels writer, I used to love a quote by sci-fi author Robert J Sawyer, on using Heinlein’s rules of writing and persevering: “If you have at least a modicum of talent [and you learn and persevere], you WILL make it.” I held tight to that for years, through novel after failed novel, but eventually the discouragement and reduction of free time (babies) led to me shelving the dream. I do sometimes wonder too if book eleven might have been the one. Fortunately all that learning and practice isn’t lost, so whenever you’re ready to try again you can brush the rust off and get back to it. :) Hope you do find the space to try again! It has to be something you love to have put the effort in for ten novels.

[@JaySwanson]

I think the effort and growth were what made it all worth it. When dreaming of the destination, you don't realize how much you'll need to work to get there (or at least it's easy to romanticize it). I definitely agree with you. Ultimately we can't fail so long as we've invested in ourselves - the experience and skills carry with us.

[@HilaryDarrah]

One thing that's been really interesting is seeing how my definition of success has changed. I'm 38 years old, and almost nothing in my life has turned out how I thought it would when I was thinking about my future 20 years ago. I used to think my future path would be much more linear, accomplishing things like graduating university, building a career, buying a house, getting married, etc. Those are things I've still done, but the journey gave me far more highs and lows than I was ever expecting, with a lot of those "successes" also requiring continuous work. And now with all my almost-middle-aged wisdom and experience, I feel like while I still make plans for my life, I define success more in how I stay open and adaptable to whatever life throws at me. Because holy shit does life like to throw curveballs!

[@JaySwanson]

I think that's a wonderful definition! I'm circling back around to this as best I can, we'll see if I can continue to improve how I articulate it, but I think you've nailed it. 🥂

[@seabrookel5037]

This is such great insight! I’m 43, and definitely agree that life hasn’t taken the path I expected (or that we’re taught to expect), and yet I’ve done just fine and have a happy and arguably successful life. Adaptability is key, and the openness to change course or take a different path when you hit road closures and detours. :)

[@sandy.art.lapetitedoe2301]

Thank you for the thought-provoking insights. I agree...Here's my journey: After years in architecture (BA), historic preservation(MA), and urban planning, I temporarily veered off course in 2020. Despite facing doubts and trauma, I took the bold step to rekindle my passion nearly a year ago. The rewards are now unfolding. During that time, I did try other passions but realizing the significant time and effort needed for those alternative pursuits, I returned to my original path-the core of my passion. Instead of giving up, I persevered, and I'm now enjoying the rewards I sought. Thats why I agree...but it is also okay to take a break from the path... for you to heal and reset

[@JaySwanson]

Happy to hear that! I'm dedicated to it on this round. Looking forward to wherever it takes me 🥂

[@ragoodvin44]

Makes me think of this Robert Henri quote from The Art Spirit. "They made their language. You make yours. All the past can help you. I am interested in art as a means of living a life; not as a means of making a living."

[@michaelhoilman6897]

I never get tired of reading that book.

[@JaySwanson]

Might have to give it a go 🙏

[@ragoodvin44]

@JaySwanson it's a keeper. BTW. I got a week's vacation booked for Paris in April. You are, for sure, one of the inspirations. Plan on doing a bunch of gouache plein air/urban sketches.

[@michaelhoilman6897]

@@JaySwansonJust a heads up. It's not really in book form. It's a series of notes and critiques from lectures and such. Still hella thought-provoking tho.

[@bassclefpaco]

As a fellow creative type, I return to the idea that process is everything and it ties in to the idea that the only moment we're ever living is the one you're experiencing.... NOW... and.... NOW... etc. So with that in mind, staying in the moment and focusing on the process and really learning to LOVE the process if you don't already, because in my eyes, as a creative, that's all there really is and hopefully we get something satisfying in the end for all that process. Not to say that one shouldn't set goals, but achievement of the the goal is momentary. You're living in the process until you get there and when you do get there the joy is in looking back at all the process it took to get there. JMHO. Keep up the good work, Jay.

[@JaySwanson]

I think that's exactly the focus needed. Love it.

[@vickialschuler816]

Trust the process and the journey. Good advice. Everyone has a different definition of success but it isn’t a finite point in time so enjoy your journey and focus on making that the best you can.

[@juliejones9101]

At 8min…Coop being such a good disciple of Jay, lol! 😅such a good boy! 🥰

[@JaySwanson]

The best!

[@julijanatomicevic7934]

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for reminding us how to think when it comes to our goals and expectations. I think you’re a big reader, talker, and therefore you should continue to be a writer. It’s part of your identity, you reach out to a lot of people and discuss deep subjects. Not everyone has that ability and talent. Merci beaucoup!

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks! I'll definitely get back into it here. Time to rebuild the habit

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Seeing you in your vlogging journey has been an example to us all. I’d love to use your guide someday.

[@JaySwanson]

Hope you get to!

[@esgee3829]

i bought into the nanten the most recent one a number of years ago after kickstarter though. and i love the fantasy genre. though not being able to see your trajectory, having not read books you published before or after, i encourage you to continue youtube. what you have made here is more unique and engaging. n=1.

[@JaySwanson]

🥂 Glad you're along for the ride

[@ChefJasonRendon]

It's been ages since we first crossed paths in Paris, enjoying dinner when we visited. Of course, way before the whole world turned upside down with Covid. Just wanted to say a massive thank you for letting us into your life. You exploration of France and out countries you've traveled to. You're out there living the dream we always talked about, but you know how life took us down a different path with the kids coming along early in the game. Still, here we are, navigating through this vast 'Sea of the Unknown', figuring things out and looking forward to discovering what's next. Speaking of next, we moved to San Antonio, TX away from the 'Upper Left USA' - we'll see ya in 2025.

[@JaySwanson]

Hope Texas is treating you well and making this next chapter a fun new adventure!

[@maxshenkwrites]

What a great discussion and question! I'm a writer, too, and have about a dozen books out right now (independent author) and while I don't know if this is typical of human nature, I know myself well enough to say this: if an oracle had come to me at the start and said "OK, you're going to struggle like hell through a dozen books, but then # 13 will be the breakthrough," I GUARANTEE you that I would have been lazy and written lousy half-a$$ed material for those dozen books JUST to get them out of the way and have "the payoff" after # 13. It makes me realize how much I've learned by slogging and how it's really honed and clarified my desire. I could only learn to write great books by trying to write THE book that would be great enough to be the breakthrough, and if it wasn't, did I learn anything for the next time? If I knew a payday was coming at a certain date after book 12, I'd just bide my time and crank out crap to do the work because it wouldn't matter one way or the other... just put in my word count times 12... but... not knowing if this one is going to be THE ONE, I try different things, take risks, push myself to find something that works. I think that THAT'S where the truth of "the journey is the destination" is revealed. Thanks for this, Jay!

[@JaySwanson]

The journey indeed. There's so much growth that comes from doing the work - appreciating that is a skill in itself.

[@magdastar2249]

Great video. ❤ Have not been able to watch for a while but this title caught my eye. You are absolutely spot on and it has so much to do with self doubt and confidence. Continue to wish you all the Best and Good Vibes. ( American senior here ). 🤣🤣🙏👍

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks for jumping in! Hope all is well 🙏

[@magdastar2249]

@@JaySwanson Thank you.

[@kirstythomson7539]

Encouraging to hear and from your own authentic shared experience, believe in yourself and keep going, def inspiring.

[@JaySwanson]

Gotta keep going

[@TeacherandMama104]

Enjoy watching your channel. I rarely comment on KZbin but excellent thoughts here! I have a PhD and still feel like a nobody and I believe if we are always trying to strive for what we don't have we will never be satisfied. I am writing a book (non-fiction) and feel it too may die but I must be hopeful. You are doing great! SIde note-my dog LOVES watching your videos (I think because of Cooper..hehe).

[@JaySwanson]

Cooper always helps haha. And thank you! Keep after it yourself. I was thinking about next steps, school, writing, and realized what you're talking about here which is I need to set attainable goal posts and then enjoy them where they are when I get there. Life is really good if we just stop and look around for a minute. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I was always an artiste. My ideal environment was learning and encouraging curiosity.

[@flatironnewyork]

I started the video thinking, ugh i so want a creative side hustle that'll become my main job. But 2/3 of the way through, my only thought was: Wait, where is Jay's camera positioned when he's hanging out on the balcony??

[@JaySwanson]

😆😆

[@agyos]

@flatironnewyork Hahaha…I was wondering the same thing! if it was hanging from the balcony above…or maybe a drone…or…or…or…. Then….I remembered Tinker Bell. 🧚 Welll, c’est possible, n’est-ce pas? Jay has great friends!

[@ambrosenuk]

Oh yeah, I'm always thinking “man, how did Jay get that camera there?”. Definitely a big talent of his (among many other more obvious ones!).

[@carolbrenner3121]

Best books are a story waiting to be told. ❤

[@JaySwanson]

🥂📚

[@geoffh2560]

Thinking of all of those great artists who died penniless because their art was only appreciated years after their death.

[@JaySwanson]

Yeah, that always moves me

[@annegraham1475]

Thanks Jay. Maybe I won’t give up on my Etsy shop yet 🤔

[@JaySwanson]

Keep after it ! 🥂

[@PaulYeghouchian]

Preach Jay

[@JaySwanson]

😎

[@PokhrajRoy.]

1:51 I love it when people think writers live in the lap of luxury. Especially the media depictions.

[@dorioflame8536]

Bingo!

[@rivierago]

We so know what you’re talking about 😅, thanks for sharing! Greetings from fellow creators on the Côte d’Azur ☀️❤☀️

[@JaySwanson]

Keep after it! 👏

[@michaelhoilman6897]

This episode reminds me of Neil Gaiman's speech about always going towards the Mountain.

[@JaySwanson]

Honored to strike that memory 🙏

[@amyspeers8012]

I’ve seen the creative journey through the eyes of my son. Auditions for him were difficult. You would get a no but not know why. How can I improve? It started taking the joy away. He now manages a theater and feels a part of the community and then sings on the weekends.

[@JaySwanson]

Glad he found his space!

[@erikat5678]

Wise words! But I feel like I am always repairing the plane mid flight while other people tell me I missed the ‘calling’ flight?!

[@JaySwanson]

I hear that

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Speaking of writing books, have you read ‘Bag of Bones’ and ‘On Writing’?

[@agyos]

On the last day, when you look back over your life…if you disregard the « worry » you gave yourself (which is always difficult to avoid), you will see how much beauty and joy you had with your good friends, and with those you love, and during your expansive creative moments…(even if none of your creations ever racked in fame or fortune)…and with Cooper; and realize, fully, the happiness you built for yourself by following your dream as best you could! This will be your True measure of success. (Okay…not very exciting words, even though true, especially when some nice fame and fortune makes everything a bit more enjoyable….but, you are already on that road, and a lovely human being. I suspect there are quite a few of your followers who are convinced you have the drive, the intelligence, and the talent to succeed in your life to an extent that will be deeply satisfying ….long before the last day, lol!!)

[@PokhrajRoy.]

4:23 You will hit 100K Subscribers so the upward curve is in motion.

[@MarcApicella]

you should look into prompt engineering

[@JaySwanson]

Did an AI write this?

[@ac8907]

Does Coop have the French nationality ?

[@JaySwanson]

Indeed

[@TMD3453]

It’s a success if you brought those works to life the way you wanted to. Who knows about the rest…the weird part. Cheers 🥂

[@JaySwanson]

And all the growth that comes in the practice 🥂

[@TMD3453]

Yeah, and there’s the “I knew him then factor.” Regardless, it’s never a waste of time to do what you wanna do. Thanks for what you do and hello to Coop.

[@sherali62]

Jay can i ask the name of your Watch plz im looking for a new watch and if im right u have a smart watch

[@JaySwanson]

I do! It's a Withings

[@sherali62]

Taa @@JaySwanson

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The only person who got a prophecy was Macbeth and we know how that turned out.

[@hbeerman372]

♥️🍀♥️🍀♥️🍀♥️🍀♥️

[@Jakeu1701]

make it to make it, not to make it

[@JaySwanson]

🥂

[@Team33Team33]

An American in Paris ... with a small pet dog. The American dream. Hope it works out, but sitting alone in a café "de deuxième zone" talking to a camera ???

[@JaySwanson]

Who says I'm alone? 🕵️

[@Team33Team33]

@@JaySwanson Lonely if that's better.

[@crustykells27]

Anti inertia. Art for arts sake.

[@JaySwanson]

🙏

[@anthonykennedy5324]

So you have a go. And you fail. Most who write are not successful. Very, very few make a living at it. But wouldn't you have been more unhappy if you hadn't had a red hot crack ? So you decide not to be a dead-shit and have a go. Life's good. Love your dog.

[@JaySwanson]

Better to have tried! And it's ultimately not a failure in the growth that comes from trying. Something I need to better weave into the telling

[@anthonykennedy5324]

@@JaySwanson No worries. I appreciate your sincerity.Only respect. In the Australian idiom : Have a go ya mug !

[@PokhrajRoy.]

2:19 EWWWWWWWW PLZ DO NOT TAKE THAT DEMON’S NAME Also, for the ‘but I like her work, not her’ people, she donated money to destroy trans lives. No ifs and buts.

[@ac8907]

You want to write the next Stephen King ? Is that Paris which inspire that ? 😱😰😨😶‍🌫🫥😮

[@JaySwanson]

No 😆 But his was the first name that popped in my head for some reason